American Distance Running Stars Chris Derrick and Alexi Pappas to Take Part in Lead Vehicle Program at 2015 TCS New York City Marathon

New York—American distance running stars Chris Derrick and Alexi Pappas will participate in the lead vehicle program at the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1, it was announced today by Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners and race director of the TCS New York City Marathon.

“We are very excited to have Chris and Alexi be a part of this year’s lead vehicle program at the TCS New York City Marathon,” said Ciaccia. “New York Road Runners is committed to the development of the sport of professional distance running throughout the year, and we hope to inspire runners like Chris and Alexi as they continue to pursue their dreams, especially heading into the 2016 Olympic year. We look forward to having them experience the spectacular journey that is our marathon as they lead the 50,000 runners through the 26.2 miles of the five boroughs and ‘Get their New York On!’”

Started in 2005, the lead vehicle program for professional athletes at the TCS New York City Marathon gives world-class runners the chance to experience the energy and excitement of the race as a rider in the lead vehicles. Athletes in the program also take part in race-week activities and participate in the TCS New York City Marathon professional athlete experience.

Past athletes who have participated in the program and later run the New York City Marathon include 2008 New York City Marathon third-place finisher Kara Goucher, 2010 New York City Marathon runner-up Shalane Flanagan, U.S. Olympic marathoners Dathan Ritzenhein and Ryan Hall, and 2010 New York City Marathon fourth-place finisher Kim Smith of New Zealand. 2012 Olympic 10,000-meter silver medalist Sally Kipyego of Kenya, making her marathon debut at this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, has also participated in the program.

Derrick, 24, of Portland, OR, is the reigning three-time USA Cross Country champion. At Stanford University, he earned 14 NCAA Division I All American honors. He is the former American junior record-holder in the 5000 meters and holds the American collegiate 10,000-meter record of 27:31.38. In the 10,000 meters, he finished fourth at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials and third at the 2013 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

“I think it will be a good experience for when I eventually move up to the marathon,” said Derrick. “Also, I have a personal policy that whenever anyone offers a front row seat to one of the best sporting events in the world, I have to accept.‎”

Pappas, 25, of Eugene, OR, was a five-time NCAA Division I All American, competing for the University of Oregon and Dartmouth College. Since graduating in 2013, she has finished in the top five at USA Championships four times: the 2015 USA 10-Mile Championships (third), the 2015 USA 15K Championships (fifth), the 2014 USA 15K Championships (fourth), and the 2013 USA 5K Championships (third).

“I am beyond thrilled to be a guest in the NYRR lead vehicle program for this year’s TCS New York City Marathon!” said Pappas. “Ever since running my first NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K, I’ve looked forward to being more involved with this historic event. I have long admired marathon running from afar, and I’m honored to have the chance to see the greatness up close.”

The 2015 TCS New York City Marathon broadcast is produced in partnership with IMG Productions and will be televised live on Sunday, November 1, on WABC-TV, Channel 7 in the New York tri-state area from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET and for the rest of the nation on ESPN2 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET. A highlight show will air from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. ETon WABC-TV, Channel 7 and local ABC affiliates throughout the nation. Additionally, the race will be available live in Spanish via ESPN Deportes+ and internationally via a variety of global broadcast partners.

Pre-race coverage will be carried live in the New York tri-state area on WABC-TV, Channel 7 from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 1. Additional race-weekend programming on WABC-TV, Channel 7 includes live coverage of the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony Presented by United Airlines on Friday, October 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.and the Countdown to the Starting Line on Saturday, October 31, from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. ET. Pre-race and race coverage on Sunday, November 1 is available to stream live on WATCH ABC and ESPN3 (accessible on WatchESPN platforms). Click here for all the broadcast details, including online and via mobile devices.

For the latest TCS New York City Marathon news and media information and to apply for a TCS New York City Marathon credential to cover race week and race day, please visit the NYRR online media center. Also, follow us on Twitter @nyrrnews. To join the social media conversation, search #TCSNYCMarathon.